Waste Removal and Recycling
Waste removal and recycling are arranged by your municipality. The rules, collection days, containers, and waste categories can differ depending on where you live.
In the Netherlands, households are expected to separate waste where possible. This helps make recycling easier and reduces the amount of residual waste. Common waste categories include residual waste, organic waste, paper and cardboard, glass, textiles, plastic packaging, small chemical waste, electronic waste, and bulky waste.
What you can find on this page:
How waste removal works
Household waste is managed locally, so the exact rules depend on your municipality. Some neighbourhoods use underground containers, while others use wheelie bins (kliko’s) that are collected on specific days. Apartment buildings may have shared containers, and houses may have separate bins for different types of waste.
When you move into a new home, check your municipality’s website for the local waste rules. You may be able to find a waste guide (afvalwijzer) for your address. This usually shows which containers to use, where nearby containers are located, and when waste is collected.
Your landlord, housing agency, or previous occupant may also be able to tell you whether the home has a waste access card, wheelie bins, or a collection calendar.
Waste separation and recycling
Waste is usually separated into different categories. The exact categories can differ per municipality, but common examples include residual waste, organic waste, paper and cardboard, glass, textiles, plastic packaging, small chemical waste, and electronic waste.
Organic waste is often called GFT in Dutch. This stands for groente-, fruit- en tuinafval, meaning vegetable, fruit, and garden waste. Paper and cardboard are often collected separately, while glass and textiles are usually taken to neighbourhood containers.
Plastic packaging, metal packaging, and drink cartons may be collected separately in some municipalities. In other municipalities, they may be sorted after collection. Because local rules differ, always check your municipality’s waste guide before throwing something away.
If you are unsure where an item belongs, the AfvalScheidingswijzer from Milieu Centraal can help you check how to separate different types of waste.
Containers, access cards, and collection days
Many municipalities use underground neighbourhood containers for residual waste, paper, glass, textiles, or other waste streams. Some underground containers require an access card linked to your address.
Other homes have wheelie bins or containers that are collected from the street. In that case, you need to place the correct container outside on the right collection day and bring it back after it has been emptied.
Collection days can differ by address and type of waste. Check your municipality’s waste calendar, app, or online waste guide to see when your waste is collected. Some municipalities also send reminders or offer a downloadable calendar.
If you lose a waste access card or do not receive one when you move in, contact your municipality or waste collection service.
Bulky waste and recycling stations
Bulky waste is household waste that does not fit in a normal bin or container, such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, large appliances, or renovation waste. You usually cannot leave bulky waste next to an underground container or on the street unless your municipality has arranged a collection day or appointment.
Most municipalities have a recycling station or waste collection point where residents can bring bulky waste, electronic waste, chemical waste, garden waste, and other items that cannot go in regular containers. In Dutch, this may be called a milieustraat, afvalbrengstation, or recyclingstation.
Rules and costs differ per municipality. Some items may be free to drop off, while others may require a fee. You may also need proof of address, a waste pass, or an appointment.
Waste tax
Household waste collection is usually paid for through a local waste tax, known in Dutch as afvalstoffenheffing. This tax is charged by your municipality or regional tax office.
The amount can depend on your municipality, household size, address, and local waste system. Some municipalities charge a fixed amount, while others partly base the cost on how often you dispose of certain types of waste.
Waste tax is explained in more detail under Local Taxes and Municipal Charges, together with other costs linked to your living address, such as sewerage charges, water board tax, and property tax for homeowners.
FAQ about Waste Removal and Recycling
Do I need to pay waste tax?
In most municipalities, households pay waste tax for household waste collection and processing. The amount and payment method depend on your municipality, household situation, and local waste system.
How do I know when my waste is collected?
To find out, check your municipality’s waste calendar, app, or online waste guide. Many municipalities let you search by address to see collection days and nearby containers.
What is GFT waste?
GFT stands for groente-, fruit- en tuinafval, meaning vegetable, fruit, and garden waste. This can include food scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, garden waste, and similar organic waste. Check your municipality’s rules, because not every item belongs in the GFT bin.
Where do I throw away glass, paper, and old clothing?
Glass, paper and cardboard, and textiles are often collected separately. Many neighbourhoods have containers for these waste types, sometimes near supermarkets or other central public locations. Your municipality’s waste guide (afvalwijzer) can show the nearest collection points.
If your old clothing is still in good condition, you can also consider selling them through an online marketplace, at a flea market during some Dutch holidays, or donate them to secondhand stores.What should I do with furniture or large appliances?
Furniture, mattresses, large appliances, and other bulky waste usually need to go to a recycling station or be collected through a municipal bulky waste appointment. Do not leave bulky waste next to a container unless your municipality says this is allowed. You risk a fine otherwise.
If your furniture is still in good condition, you can also consider selling them through an online marketplace, or donate them to a secondhand store.